Interview: Tetsuya Yamamoto of Nikon

Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of Nikon’s Development Headquarters within its Imaging Division. (Image courtesy Nikon Inc.)

At this year’s International CES show in Las Vegas, we spoke to Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of Nikon’s Development Headquarters within its Imaging Division. We discussed the market’s reaction to the 1 J1 and V1, and how the system might evolve in the future.

According to Yamamoto, Nikon has been pleased with the success of the 1 System, especially the J1, in the American market but that even before the system's launch 'we were very confident that there were customers out there who would gravitate towards the V1 and the J1'.

He told us that the sort of people buying the J1 and V1 are those customers that 'want a DSLR but don’t want something big and heavy’. He went on, '1 System customers like the fast AF and the size of the cameras and lenses, and once they’ve used [new features like] Motion Snapshot they really like them'.

1 System sensor 'capable of 2K / 4K video'

Yamamoto told us that Motion Snapshot, which combines a still image with slow motion video in a single capture is a feature that Nikon is keen to improve in the next generation of 1 System cameras. There’s good news, potentially for videographers too - according to Yamamoto 'the [J1 and V1’s] sensor is capable of 2K (2048×1080px) and 4K (~4000px horizontal resolution) video and in the future we hope to incorporate [these functions]'.

'We are going to develop brighter lenses for better total performance'

Also on the agenda for future 1 System products it appears, are improvements to their innovative 'Hybrid' AF systems, which combine conventional contrast-detection AF with a faster phase-detection system, all using the main 10MP imaging sensor.

The key, according to Yamamoto, is faster lenses. He told us 'we want to develop higher speed AF, and specifically to improve phase-detection AF from the imaging sensor. This depends on lens aperture – if the lens [has a larger aperture] then AF is much faster'. In the future, he told us, 'we are going to develop brighter lenses for better total performance – brighter but still small'.

The Nikon 1 J1 and V1 are built around a one-inch 10MP CMOS sensor that is capable of both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF. The EVF-equipped V1 is aimed at a slightly higher level than the J1 but both are essentially intended to be used as point-and-shoot cameras.

The Nikon 1 V1 pictured with the currently available 1 System lenses - (from right to left) the 10-30mm F3.5-5.6 VR, the 30-110mm F2.8-5.6 VR, the 10mm F2.8 pancake and the (comparatively) enormous 10-100mm F4.5-5.6 VR powerzoom.

Still on the subject of Hybrid AF, which switches between contrast-detection and phase-detection AF modes automatically depending on light level, we asked Yamamoto why Nikon made this system entirely automatic. 'We are studying [manual AF mode control] for the future' he told us: 'for V1-class cameras we would like to do this manually but [AF mode selection in] J1-level models will remain automatic'.

Also potentially on the horizon for future 1 System models, Yamamoto told us, are in-camera NEF (raw) conversion, and in-camera 'Effects'. Asked why the first two functions were omitted from the J1 and V1, Yamamoto explained 'the J1 and V1 are in a new category, and [for these initial releases] we wanted to [focus on] enhancing basic functions like AF and introduce new ones like Motion Snapshot'. In the future though, he told us, 'we are studying the inclusion of [both] in-camera effects and raw conversion'.

'We may provide an option to customize Auto ISO in the future'

During the process of creating our in-depth review of the 1 System cameras, our experience of the J1 and V1’s Automatic ISO system has been that they constantly risk blurry images in low light by selecting low ISO sensitivity settings and relatively low shutter speeds. Yamamoto assured us 'we are aware of the issue'. But, he explained - 'the target user [for the J1/v1] is a point-and-shoot customer and for that user we thought that it was better to make [the function] purely automatic'.

'We always have to find a balance [between noise and sharpness]' he went on, 'but after having a lot of discussions and getting feedback we may need to come up with another option'. Encouragingly, he added that 'we may provide an option for customers to customize Auto ISO performance in the future'.

We ended the interview by asking Mr Yamamoto for his vision of the future, and whether mirrorless cameras will replace consumer-level DSLRs. 'We don't think so' Yamamoto told us - 'mirrorless is one solution [if the aim is] compactness but it is just one approach. We don't think it is the only direction, and we are considering further reductions in size even for [our DSLR] cameras'.

I would not draw that conclusion. It seems that Mr Yamamoto has learnt the fine art of marketing speak. He has drawn your attention to improving the already impressive AF performance with faster glass, without mentioning the weakness of the 1 system being a lack of fast glass, and disguising the story with a 'better total performance' tag. Well done Mr Yamamoto.

So my conclusion is that you will soon see some fast primes in your tea leaves.

I agree, in this fast moving market Nikon needs to bring updated bodies soon, likely by end of NH Summer. They were actually smart: tested waters with two bodies, listen to reactions, incoporate what is feasible in the new versions. And likely launch a different, more able body as well. It's only starting.

So basically, he's saying that in the future Nikon may give its users some of the features that have been available in other mirrorless systems from the start. This is the sort of press release that will make Olympus feel good.

Yes, let's go back to early 2009 and see that Panasonic released the G1 with a 14 - 45mm kit zoom and a 45- 200mm telephoto. We also see that Panasonic released a 4/3 adapter around the same time, allowing users to fit all those nice Olympus lenses. Maybe you should go back and check the spec. sheet of the G1 and compare it to the Nikon V1. No excuses for leaving out basic control parameters. Cynical marketing from company reluctant to compete in the mirrorless market.

Giving an arbitrary time frame for improvements in future models is not good enough when other manufacturers have products coming out in the next few months that will eat the Nikon1 camera sales.

All I get from this is:

- Those who have already purchased a N1 camera can look forward to brighter lenses in the 'future'.- Those who have not purchased a N1 camera should hold off because big improvements will be made in 'future' bodies.

His comments clearly didn't sound as if they were thinking about any sort of firmware enhancements to the J1/V1 in the "near" future. In addition, it didn't sound all that promising that more lenses were going to appear any time real soon.

I do like using the V1 a lot but I hope Nikon realizes there is some time pressure as other systems march forward in a full system buildout.

lol, come on. haha looks like somebody doest get it. zstan so your saying when you crop your pictures all of a sudden, bingo more dof? oh goodness i thought full frame had less dof!! naw. you can just focus closer as your fov is wider, thats what shrinks the dof.

Just dont like that he argues that it is needed for fast AF only.Faster lenses are neded for better low-light noise performance, and in order to be able to isolate the subject by letting the background be out of focus. Its like he dont want to acknowledge that this is a problem with the 1 and its smaller sensor.Fuji totally gets this, with 3 fast primes at launch for the X-pro 1.

In order to get the subject isolation, it would be great if the lenses are significantly brighter. Like f.1.2.

Tend to agree with Panos, but they have patents for quite fast primes, a f/1.4 normal and a f/1.2 portrait lens. If they will release them is another story. What I would really like to see is a faster, better Q midrange zoom. The kit one is not that good and quite slow.

I do not even own a Nikon 1, but your comment cannot be more wrong. It is incorrect on every level.

First off, the Nikon 1 is very successful.

Secondly, the sensor size really is not an issue. Even pro's using the camera admit that IQ is perfectly good.

Thirdly, one of the reasons why the 1 has superior AF and speed of operation compared to any other compact camera, is the tech used and its relationship with the smaller lenses and the sensor.

If the sensor was larger, the lenses would be larger. It would be harder to have fast AF. The camera would lose its appeal.

The telephoto zoom on the 1, for example, is tiny compared to the equivalent in m4/3rds or NEX. And its AF is lightning fast.

Lets put it this way - I fell for the "sensor is too small" argument and got a NEX. A mistake - I have since seen amazing IQ from a friend with a V1 and it is clear that the V1 is way, way faster than the NEX and with much, much better AF. And the lenses are much smaller.

The sensor size is indeed an issue but not for the reasons you mention. It's an issue when the body and all but one of the lenses are as big as m43 counterparts. It's not an issue when it comes to IQ, if (but only IF) you consider the Olympus Pen's quality good enough. Compared to the GH2, G3 or GX1, IQ it is indeed an issue. Speed of operation is not something that depends on sensor size either, apart from AF, but have you read the news? Compacts are now focusing in low light in 0.1s.

Yes, the NEX is slow, the lenses are big but it's IQ is almost unmatched. Use that to your advantage! If your need is fast AF and monster burst rates you have clearly entered the wrong boat because you should have got the Nikon. If you think you'd need to strike a balance between very good IQ, size, lens ecosystem and AF, then m43 is the only way to go. But do yourself a favour: get one of the Panasonics latest sensors. It pays off. In spades!!!

There are two more IQ handicaps (asside from overall noise performance compared to NEX). One is the very limited DOF control. Partially due to the small sensor, partially due to the current small aperture lenses. To match the DOF control of the SEL 50mm F1.8, they need to come up with a 28mm F1.0.The second problem that is often ignored is the limited DR, especially at lower ISO's it's several stops behind NEX cameras, also due to high read noise in shadows. To the point where higher end P&S cameras with much smaller sensor such as the G11, G12, S100 and X10 show better DR at base ISO.

AF is very important and the main reason many people avoid using regular compacts (my case with the Canon G9, never really took it on a trip in place of the dslr). With the V1 I'm sure I will get the shutter to release when I press it, not an intant later when the photo opp is gone. It's IQ is not up to APS-C's present standards, true, but actually very close to the camera I used for 4 years (D80), and which provided for many memorable images. It's quite close to even present m43 offerings, loosing only to the latest Panny models.

Are you telling me you've never heard most consumers ask for creamy backgrounds or a 3D depth effect? I certainly have, atleast as often as I heard them ask for fast focus.They might be less aware of dynamic range, true. But up to 5 stops DOF (3.5-4 if we cheat a little and use a slightly longer FL) control and noise differences in low light due to the current line up of lenses, *is* something they will notice.And simply put, if they and we ignore it for whatever reason, it's unlikely going to change. On the other hand, if the consumer conveys that message, it's likely you'll see some fast lenses rather sooner than later.

"Funny ! All what they want to add is already present in MFT cameras."

Yet you make a list of what is NOT in the MFT...

"( except what concerns the sensor speed and hybrid AF mode )"

...and your list could be extended a lot longer. I bet you have never seen a V1, even less handled one or looked at the specs and functionalities. But, if MFT is what you want then just buy one. The G3 is really nice, as well as the GH2 so go buy one of those and be happy.

More about gear in this article

Reportage photographer Giulio Magnifico wants to take people on a journey with him when they look at his photos. He captures street scenes and card nights in local osterias in his hometown of Udine, Italy, but over the past few years the focus of his work has been reporting on the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. Read more

In this Photokina interview - the second of two with Dirk Jasper, Nikon's Product Manager for Professional Products and Product Planning - we spoke to Dirk about the development of the Nikon 1 System, as it marks its first anniversary, and the challenges of creating a hybrid 'connected camera'. In this interview, Dirk explains why the Android-powered Coolpix S800c is a more serious compact that Samsung's Galaxy Camera and how despite the fact that it was never meant to be a 'professional' system, the Nikon 1 became number one in Europe.

Nikon plans to develop 'brighter lenses for better total performance' from its 1 system, says Tetsuya Yamamoto, General Manager of Nikon’s Development Headquarters, Imaging Division. In an interview at this year’s International CES show in Las Vegas, he talked to us about some of the functions the company hopes to enhance on future models and offered some surprising news about the CX sensor's video capabilities.

The Nikon V1 is the more enthusiast-oriented of two cameras in Nikon's brand new 1-system. Reviews Editor Barnaby Britton has been using the Nikon V1 since it arrived in the dpreview office and shares some initial impressions ahead of a full review.

Latest in-depth reviews

The Canon G5 X Mark II earns a Silver Award with its very good image quality, flexibility and the overall engaging experience of using the camera. However, if you need the very best in autofocus and video, other options may suit you better. Find out all the details in our full G5 X II review.

360 photos and video can be very useful for certain applications (as well as having fun). The Vuze+ is an affordable 360 camera that supports both 2D and 3D (stereo vision) capture, and might be the best option for someone wanting to experiment with the 360 format.

The Mikme Pocket is a portable wireless mic with particular appeal to smartphone users looking to up their game and improve the quality of recorded audio without the cost or complexity or traditional equipment.

The 90D is essentially the DSLR version of the EOS M6 Mark II mirrorless camera that was introduced alongside it. Like the M6 II, it features a 32MP sensor, Dual Pixel AF, fast burst shooting and 4K/30p video capture. It will be available mid-September.

Latest buying guides

If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.

Whether you're hitting the beach in the Northern Hemisphere or the ski slopes in the Southern, a rugged compact camera makes a great companion. In this buying guide we've taken a look at nine current models and chosen our favorites.

What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.

If you're looking for a high-quality camera, you don't need to spend a ton of cash, nor do you need to buy the latest and greatest new product on the market. In our latest buying guide we've selected some cameras that while they're a bit older, still offer a lot of bang for the buck.

Whether you're new to the Micro Four Thirds system or a seasoned veteran, there are plenty of lenses available for you. We've used pretty much all of them, and in this guide we're giving your our recommendations for the best MFT lenses for various situations.

Blackmagic has announced an update to Blackmagic RAW that adds support, via plugins, to Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer. Blackmagic also announced a pair of Video Assist 12G monitor-recorders with brighter HDR displays, USB-C recording and more.

Sony has announced the impending arrival of its next-generation video camera system, the FX9. The full-frame E-mount system is set to be released later this year with a 16-35mm E-mount lens to follow in spring 2020.

The Canon G5 X Mark II earns a Silver Award with its very good image quality, flexibility and the overall engaging experience of using the camera. However, if you need the very best in autofocus and video, other options may suit you better. Find out all the details in our full G5 X II review.

The Fujifilm X-A7 is the newest addition to the company's X-series lineup. Despite its relatively low price of $700 (with lens), Fujifilm didn't skimp on features. Click through to find out what you need to know about the X-A7.

The entry-level Fujifilm X-A7 improves upon many of its predecessor's weak points, including a zippier processor, an upgraded user experience and 4K/30p video capture. It goes on sale October 24th for $700 with a 15-45mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens.

Robert Frank's unconventional approach to photography and filmmaking defied generational constraints and inspired some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He passed away today at age 94.

All three devices offer a standard 12MP camera plus, for the first time on an iPhone, an ultra-wide 13mm camera module. The 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max also retain the telephoto camera of previous generations.

Phase One's new XT camera system incorporates the company's IQ4 series of digital backs with up to 151MP of resolution and marries them to a line of Rodenstock lenses using the new XT camera body. The result is an impressively small package for one of the largest image sensors currently on the market - take a closer look here.

Phase One has announced its new XT camera system, which includes an IQ4 digital back, body (made up of a shutter release button and two dials) and a trio of Rodenstock lenses. The company is marketing the XT as a 'travel-friendly' product for landscape photographers.